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I'm now a full-time work-outside-the-home mom and while we're still going on TONS of family adventures, making time for the adventures (verses making time for writing about them!) has taken priority in my life right now.

But have no fear! Our new Facebook page is a great resource for all the wonderful family-friendly stuff happening in Prince George's County and the greater Metro DC area. Be sure to check out the Out by Ten archives on the right for lots of great activities!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Abel and I have been pretty discerning when it comes to the kids' music we play for Lucas. Quite frankly, the majority of the music he hears in the car or at home is not kids' music at all, but is from our own play lists. On a road trip this summer, my brother noted that it was pretty cool that Lucas likes to rock out to the Grateful Dead but it might not be so cool when he starts singing "Riding that train/High on cocaine" at preschool.

Yes, there is a place for actual, age-appropriate kids' music! But, who wants to sacrifice the cool factor? Not us!

That's why we were so excited to discover the band Milkshake after I won a copy of their last album, PLAY! from A Parent in Silver Spring. And, the whole family was even more excited to get an advance copy of the band's newest CD, Great Day, earlier this summer.

In a sentence: We love it!

From the opening song--high energy and awesome to dance around the living room to--Happy Place, to the super-sweet lullaby, I Love You, this CD is full of great music and great lyrics.

One of my favorite things about this CD is that I feel like I could have written some of the lyrics myself. Seriously, how often have you said one of these phrases?

"Can't find a thing to wear" (Happy Place)

"Toys all over the stairs/Clothes scattered everywhere" (You Did It!)

"When I'm old I'll be looking back and smiling" (When I'm Old)

"I want it--don't need it/I want it--don't need it!" (I Want It)

"I need a Recipe. Something new!" (Recipe)

"I love you/I Love You/I don't know much but that much is true" (I Love You)

We've listened to it no less than 20 times since receiving it and, I promise, I'm not sick of it even a little bit! (Parents, you know that is crucial!)

Great Day is available on-line and in stores now. But, the best is that you can win your very own copy right here at Out by Ten!

Here's how:

1) Leave a comment--any comment--by Saturday, September 12. You must include your e-mail address in the comment form or include it in the body of the comment so I have a way to reach you if you win.

3) Receive yet another additional entry by listening to the the album on the music player at http://facebook.com/milkshakeband and leaving a comment letting everyone know which song is your favorite.

4) Receive another entry by tweeting this contest and leaving a comment with a link to your tweet. Sample tweet: Win a copy of the fab. new kids' CD Great Day by Milkshake at http://tinyurl.com/mpbjdy @smilingmama

5) Receive another entry by subscribing to Out by Ten via RSS feed or becoming a follower and leaving a comment to let me know.

Good luck!

Blogging disclaimer: I was given one free copy of Great Day to review and one to give away to a reader. The opinions above are mine alone and if I didn't actually like the CD, I would have simply not blogged about it and would not be hosting this giveaway.

Monday, August 24, 2009

We love the College Park Aviation Museum (read my previous post here). If you, too, are a big fan of the museum or especially if you have never been there, you'll definitely want plan to visit on Saturday, August 29 for AirFair 100!

Highlights of this exciting day include: airplane & helicopter rides (15-20 minute rides; $40 per person for the helicopter and $15 per person for the airplane; adults must have government issued ID), aircraft displays, a hot air balloon, children’s activities, food and craft vendors, entertainment and refreshments. A 1909 Wright Military Flyer--the plane that started it all!--will be unveiled at the AirFair. You can also meet an astronaut, Joe Edwards, a veteran of two space shuttle missions.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Summer is officially coming to a close (are you weeping or jumping for joy over that fact?!). This is the last week for the free family film festival. And, many of the wonderful outdoor concerts in Prince George's County and DC are coming to a close as well. The remaining dates are below; take advantage while you still can!Free Family Film Festival

Catch the last free movie of the summer through Regal theatre's Free Family Film Festival which takes place at Regal theatres across the county.

The last two movies shown at Bowie Stadium 14 will be Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G) and Monster House (PG). Each movie will be shown at 10am on both Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19.

Free Outdoor Concerts

Mondays

The U.S. Navy Band plays on the West Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol each Monday at 8pm, weather permitting. Remaining dates: August 17, 24, 31

Tuesdays

The U.S. Air Force Band plays on the West Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol each Tuesday at 8pm, weather permitting. Remaining dates: August 25

Wednesdays

Music on the Plaza takes place Wednesdays from 5pm-8pm at the University Town Center, 6500 America Blvd. in Hyattsville. Make sure you dress your kids appropriately so they can have fun in the shooting fountain--they won't be able to resist it on a hot evening! This series lasts through October!

The U.S. Marine Band plays on the West Front Steps of the U.S. Capitol each Tuesday at 8pm, weather permitting. Remaining dates: August 19, 26

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The War of 1812 is perhaps best known by most Americans as the war that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the Star-Spangled Banner which later became our National Anthem.

The defeat of the Americans by the British (whom we were fighting in the War of 1812, just in case you need a quick brush up!) at the Battle of Bladensburg led to the burning of Washington, DC. Thus we have the famous story of Dolly Madison saving the painting of George Washington from the White House and the legend that the "President's palace" became known as the White House after it was painted white to cover the smoke and fire damage after this siege.

This weekend you and your family have the opportunity to see what life was like in 19th century America at the 14th Annual Battle of Bladensburg Encampment on the grounds of the Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale, MD. Get up close and see reenactors as they portray British and American troops from that period. You can watch drills and enjoy demonstrations and representations of military camp life. There will be free music and children's activities. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

About Me

Hi! I'm Aimee aka Smiling Mama. I get the Mama title from Lucas (born in 2005) and Nathaniel (born in 2010). Along with my husband, Abel, we live in a creaky old house in a wonderful town in Prince George's County, MD. I work full-time outside the home and am seemingly unable to say no to a volunteer role. I believe in kindness, love lists, and do my best to keep smiling. Thanks for stopping by!